SACRAMENTO -- Today the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and Department of Health Services (DHS) released
a draft report that provides the results of a two-year study of environmental health conditions in California's
portable classrooms. Governor Davis and the State Legislature requested the study to address growing children's
health concerns relating to indoor classroom environments, particularly in portable classrooms.

"The findings of this study are not a surprise and steps are already being taken to address many of the issues
raised in the report," said ARB Chairman, Dr. Alan C. Lloyd.

Environmental health conditions in a representative sample of 1,000 of California's classrooms were studied, with
an emphasis on portable classrooms. Further, potentially unhealthful environmental conditions were identified
and measurements were made to determine their extent. In consultation with stakeholders, recommended remedies to
mitigate existing unhealthful conditions and prevent their future occurrence are being discussed. ARB workshops
will be conducted to address those conditions.

Solutions to many of these problems have already begun through actions by school districts and state, federal
and local agency taskforces.

"Concern has been voiced over environmental conditions in California's schools," added Lloyd. "The
Governor and Legislature responded by funding this study for the health of California school children and faculty."

This study addresses health concerns of some portable classrooms currently in use. California has recently made
historic investments in new school construction and modernization of older schools. Last year Governor Davis signed
legislation to place a $25 billion school bond package on the state ballot. California voters approved the
first bond in November, providing school districts with $11.4 billion in funding for new construction and modernization
of K-12 schools. More than $6 billion has already been allocated to school districts statewide to begin new school
construction and modernization projects. New bond funding will reduce the need for relocatable classrooms
in California schools, and where the need remains, will provide funding to replace aged portable classrooms with
classrooms that meet high environmental and health standards. The remaining $13 billion bond is scheduled
to go before the voters on the March 2004 primary ballot.

The Board is expected to review the study at its July 24-25 meeting. Following the Board's approval, the report
will be forwarded to the Legislature.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's
mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction
of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate
action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy cost,
see our web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov.